2006 Brewers Association Style Guidelines

Major Style:

Ale

Sub-Style Name:

South German-Style Bernsteinfarbenes Weizen/Weissbier

Origin:

German

Description:

The German word Bernsteinfarben means amber colored, and as such, a Bernsteinfarbenes Weizen is dark yellow to amber in color. This beer style is characterized by a distinct sweet maltiness and caramel or bready character from the use of medium colored malts. Estery and phenolic elements of this Weissbier should be evident but subdued.

Bernsteinfarbenes Weissbier is well attenuated and very highly carbonated, and hop bitterness is low. Hop flavor and aroma are absent. The percentage of wheat malt is at least 50 percent. If this is served with yeast, the beer may be appropriately very cloudy. No diacetyl should be perceived. Brewer may indicate whether beer is intended to be served with or without yeast.